Altrincham have completed the return of former Southend United forward Dan Mooney on a free transfer, as confirmed via a statement on the club’s website.
The 24-year-old struggled to make a lasting impression under Kevin Maher and was subsequently released by the football club last week but has been quickly snapped up by the National League side.
Mooney made 16 appearances for Southend United so far this season, scoring once during the club’s 4-0 victory against Oldham Athletic on the opening day of the 2023/24 National League season but is yet to add to that tally.
The Welshman began his career with Fleetwood Town, before experiencing a series of Non-League loans before making a permanent switch to Altrincham in February 2020.
Within two years, Mooney completed a permanent switch to Southend United on a free transfer and made roughly 50 first-team appearances, netting three goals for the club.
Altrincham have bolstered their attacking options on several occasions so far this season, with the additions of Marcus Dackers, Justin Donawa and popular figure Chris Conn-Clarke arriving on a permanent contract and the return of Dan Mooney is another statement of the club’s willingness to reach the play-off places this season.
Heading into this weekend’s clash against second-place Bromley, Altrincham sit fourth in the table after winning ten of their opening 22 matches and losing just four times all season in league competition.
Meanwhile, he has considerably better form with Altrincham netting 18 goals in 66 appearances and has now made his return in time for this weekend’s match.
Writer’s View
Mooney struggled to find his feet at Southend United but was a popular figure at Altrincham and I cannot say this move came as a surprise.
However, with Altrincham competing for the top three, the move does spark initial questions as to how Mooney will fit into the system or the type of role he will play under Phil Parkinson.